Name Of Man Found Dead In St. James Motel Released – New Charges Filed
We now know the name of the man found dead inside the Economy Inn motel in St. James.
The Phelps County Sheriff’s office says they identified the man as 36-year-old Donald Coy Wethy Jr of St. James.
Investigators later identified two people as possible suspects in the case, 20-year-old Josue Martinez of Pennsylvania and 29-year-old Kimberly Riston of California, who later picked up while walking along Highway 63.
Both individuals are now facing first degree murder charges and are being held on no bond.
***Press Release***
PHELPS COUNTY, MO. – On April 21, 2021, at about 8:06 AM, law enforcement officers responded to the Economy Inn Motel in St. James, Missouri, for what was later determined to be a homicide.
During the initial investigation, law enforcement discovered a white male deceased from apparent knife wounds on the parking lot of the Economy Inn Motel in St. James, Missouri. As a result of the follow-up investigation, the victim was identified as Donald Coy Wethy Jr., age 36, of St. James, Missouri. An autopsy will be completed to determine the exact cause of death. (Next of kin has been notified)
Law enforcement determined Josue Martinez, age 20, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and Kimberly D. Riston, age 29 of Banning, California, were responsible for the death of Mr. Wethy. They were arrested and transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Warrants were applied for and received.
On April 22, 2021, warrants were issued on both Martinez and Riston. They were charged with Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action (2 Counts), Robbery 1st Degree, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at NO BOND.
The charges for which Martinez and Riston have been arrested are merely an accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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